Why is the Selangor Sultan opposing the UPM name change proposal?

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The Selangor Sultan Opposes the UPM Name Change Proposal Due to Historical Significance and Personal Involvement

The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has voiced his opposition to the proposal to revert Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to its former name, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia. His Royal Highness, in his role as UPM's Chancellor, stated that the proposal was never presented to him or the university's board of directors. The Sultan decreed that the name Universiti Putra Malaysia must be retained, emphasizing his personal role in launching the 'Putra' brand, which embodies the concept of "Agriculture for the People."
Direct Involvement in Brand Launch and Meaning

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah highlighted his personal connection to the 'Putra' brand, stating that he was the one who launched it. He explained that this brand signifies "Agriculture for the People," underscoring a deep-rooted connection between the name and the university's foundational purpose. This personal involvement forms a central pillar of his objection to altering the current nomenclature.
Honouring Malaysia's First Prime Minister

Beyond the symbolic meaning of "Putra," the Sultan also clarified that the adoption of Universiti Putra Malaysia was a deliberate choice to honour Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia's first Prime Minister. This historical tribute adds another layer of significance to the existing name, making the proposed change a matter of historical commemoration as well as branding.
Lack of Consultation and Historical Understanding

His Royal Highness expressed concern that the proposal was made without proper consultation, as it was not presented to him or the university's board of directors. Furthermore, he urged those advocating for the name change to review historical facts before making statements. The university's name was officially changed from Universiti Pertanian Malaysia to Universiti Putra Malaysia on April 3, 1997, to reflect a broadened academic scope beyond agriculture, encompassing fields such as science and information technology.

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Why is the Selangor Sultan opposing the UPM name change proposal?

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